What is the shape of a pentagon?

A pentagon is defined as a polygon with five sides and five angles. The term "pentagon" comes from the Greek words "penta," meaning five, and "gon," meaning angle. In a pentagon, each side contributes to forming the overall shape, which can be either regular (with all sides and angles equal) or irregular (with varying lengths and angles).

Understanding the characteristics of polygons helps to differentiate between them. A four-sided polygon, known as a quadrilateral, has different properties compared to a pentagon. Similarly, a six-sided polygon is called a hexagon, while a seven-sided polygon is referred to as a heptagon. This distinction in the number of sides is fundamental in geometry, allowing for the classification of shapes and understanding their properties. Thus, the correct identification of a pentagon as a 5-sided polygon is essential in geometric studies.